Two mountain lion sightings reported

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El Dorado County Animal Services has received two reports of mountain lion sightings this week in the meadow between Black Bart Avenue and Al Tahoe Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, according to a Friday statement.

“In both instances, the mountain lion appeared to be calm and did not exhibit any aggressive behavior,” Lt. Robert Gerat, supervising animal services officer, said in the statement.

“But since the sightings were reported in a populated area, we wanted to inform the community and remind them to be alert to their surroundings.”

The first sighting was reported about 2 p.m. April 16, when someone saw the mountain lion walking across the meadow from South Tahoe Public Utility District toward Lake Tahoe Community College.

The second sighting was reported in the meadow about 4:30 p.m. on April 18, when someone was walking their dogs and saw the mountain lion laying in the field about 60 yards away. The mountain lion did not approach people in either instance, according to the statement.

When in mountain lion country, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends hiking, biking and jogging in groups, supervising children and avoiding activities at dawn, dusk and night when mountain lions are most active.

Not leaving pets outside unattended is also recommended.

People should also never approach a mountain lion.

If a mountain lion is encountered, people are encouraged to face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving their arms or bigger objects.

People should also pick up small children in those situations. Fight back if attacked.